Starting XI: Same again for our lunchtime Wear-Tees ‘clash’?

We lined up the way I expected us to on Wednesday night, in personnel at least – I had thought Hume would stay at right back and Huggins at left, while I thought Ba would play more centrally with Roberts on the wing. While the former switch worked well, I do think we’d be better off with Roberts wide and Ba in the middle. Anyway, we won, so can’t pick over it too much.

It’s a tight turnaround for today’s game, but with five subs available I think we’ll start with the same line up as started against Watford. Aouchiche is pushing for a start, but listening to Mowbray it seems unlikely that’ll come today.

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Goalkeeper: Anthony Patterson

Patterson did what little he had to well on Wednesday, and will be hoping for a third clean sheet in a row today.

Photo by Barrington Coombs/PA Images via Getty Images

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Defenders: Niall Huggins, Luke O’Nien, Dan Ballard, Trai Hume

It was a surprise to see Huggins and Hume swapped round on Wednesday but it worked a treat and I expect to see that continue today. Huggins was superb at right back – goal aside, he did everything well and it’ll be good to see him continue there. Hume was steady at left back, while Ballard and O’Nien were exceptional once more.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

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Midfield: Dan Neil, Jobe Bellingham

I thought Dan Neil had a quiet game on Wednesday - he was a bit sloppy in possession and didn’t impose himself as much as he has done in recent weeks. He looks in need of a rest, but will need to play today alongside Jobe, who once again looked brilliant.

Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images

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Attack: Abdoullah Ba, Patrick Roberts, Jack Clarke

I would prefer Ba centrally and Roberts on the wing, but I think we’ll see the same again as we did on Wednesday. Ba didn’t have his best game against Watford - I thought he struggled to get into the game – but came up with the goal that sealed the game. Clarke also had a quietish game by his standards, but I expect him to play a starring role today.

Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images

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Striker: Mason Burstow

I thought Burstow was pretty average on Wednesday after a good display at Sheff Wed – he needs a goal, and with Hemir and Rusyn breathing down his neck he needs it soon.

Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images

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